Educate Children About Flood Dangers

9/25/2021 (Permalink)

Let’s teach our children how they can be safe in an emergency!

Flooding is dangerous and destructive. It can happen anywhere, and at any time, for a variety of reasons. Flood-related injuries are usually due to a lack of proper preparation and/or nonexistent safety measures. As difficult as it is for adults to remain safe during a flood, it is even more strenuous for children.

Children must be properly taught about the dangers of flooding, what to do and not do, and how to remain safe. Adults should be proper role models by heeding warnings issued by the National Weather Service and taking appropriate precautions.

Teaching Tips

Teach children to avoid water when unsupervised. After a storm occurs, creeks can be tempting to play in, but any area overflowing with water can be dangerous. Water does not always indicate its depth, and what looks like a shallow puddle may be a hole that is several feet deep.

Children should never try to walk or run across any kind of flowing water. It takes only six inches to knock a grown man off his feet. Running water carries debris such as rocks and branches, which may cause serious injury if they come in contact.

Children should know how to operate a portable radio or television, and where to tune it for weather forecasts and conditions. Flash floods occur suddenly. Most deaths related to them happen because people do not evacuate rapidly enough. Establish a family emergency plan and make sure your child knows the drill. Keep them involved in the process. They should also know how to dial 911 and explain any emergency that may happen to the operator.

Teach children the tagline: "Turn Around, Don’t Drown". It is designed to drive people away from flood conditions. Avoiding floodwater is the best way to stop accidental injury or death. In emergencies, kids should remain with their parents or the closest responsible adult. Following directions is a must for safety.

Never assume that your child will do the correct thing in emergency situations. Make certain that they are properly educated on all facets of severe weather and emergency scenarios like flooding.